Gas prices rise sharply

Monday

Feb 4, 2013 at 12:32 PM

Gas prices have risen faster than expected so far this month and will likely rise further, according to AAA.

Staff report

Gas prices have risen faster than expected so far this month and will likely rise further, according to AAA."A positive economic outlook, supply issues, refinery maintenance, and preparation for the summer fuel switch helped push oil prices closer to $100 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange," according to the auto club's weekly Fuel Price Brief. "As a result, gas prices increased at a faster rate than expected."The national average price for a gallon of regular was $3.523, compared to $3.349 a week earlier, according to AAA. In Florida, the average price was $3.569, up more than 14 cents from the previous Monday.In Gainesville, the low prices reported were from $3.47 to $3.56 a gallon, according to www.gasbuddy.com.In Ocala, the low prices reported were from $3.45 to $3.56 a gallon, according to www.gasbuddy.com.